4 Haircuts That Will Change Your Life

Sometimes a woman deserves something dramatic, and this month, that woman is you. Forget “just the usual trim, please,” and go for one of these amazing looks created by hair genius Ted Gibson (and these cuts look good on all hair types!). Wow.

The Textured Bob

No need for a blowout—bouncy ringlets are what make this “lob” (longish bob) unboring. If you already have natural curls or waves, go to your appointment without any products in your hair and ask your stylist to snip it while it’s dry. “It’s easier to get the right shape and length,” says Gibson.

Photo: Eric Traoré

How to Style the Textured Bob:

Mix gel and a moisturizing cream, like Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smoothing Crème, apply to damp hair, then air-dry. To define corkscrew coils (or create them if your hair is straight), use a 1/4-inch curling iron. To play up curls and waves, twirl sections of hair with your fingers while blow-drying.

Photos: Getty Images, FilmMagic, WireImage

The New Short Cut

Thanks to Michelle Williams, Rihanna, Carey Mulligan and lots more, the androgynous ‘do is hot. Go short on the sides and longer on top. “Get medium-sized highlights in the front for dimension,” says Gibson.

Photo: Eric Traoré

How to Style the New Short Cut

With your fingers! Apply a mousse, like Nexxus Thermal Volume, and blow-dry while pulling hair forward. Feeling edgy? Rough it up with dry shampoo. For a red carpet -worthy look, apply a bit of pomade to slick back the sides of your hair, then tuck behind your ears. So chic!

Photos: FilmMagic, WireImage, Getty Images

The Modern Shag

Ask your stylist to keep layers swingy, choppy and shorter on top, but not too short or you’ll end up with a mullet. To switch it up, try a deep side part and do a little teasing.

Photo: Eric Traoré

How to Style the Modern Shag

After towel-drying hair, apply a heat protector, then do a blowout, ideally with a paddle brush. Then grab one-inch sections and flat-iron them toward the face. Piece out the ends with texturizer, like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty. Keep product mostly on the ends, unless you’re doing the Kristen Stewart thing.

Photos: WireImage, Getty Images, Corbis

The Long Bangs

Keep the shape of your face in mind. If it’s broad, get narrower bangs; go wider if yours is more oval. For a little extra sexiness, ask your hair pro for longer pieces on the sides. Scared to commit? Test clip-on bangs from a beauty supply store first.